DOVER — A potential heat wave is on the way for the Tri City and Seacoast areas as temperatures hitting 90 degrees and above are expected by national weather experts.

According to Accuweather.com meteorologist Alex Sosnowski, should the predicted weather occur, this will be the first heat wave of the 2013 summer season, though summer won't officially begin until June 21.

Officially, a heat wave is defined as three or more days in a row with 90-degree or higher temperatures.

The warm weather is expected to begin on Thursday and last through Saturday and possibly Sunday.

Friday is expected to be the hottest day of the high temperatures, and, according to Sosnowski's report, the weather will also feature midsummer-like humidity.

“The sudden heat and humidity may catch some people off guard,” he reported.

In 2012 there were more than 20 deaths in New Hampshire recorded due to a heat wave that occurred in June.

Those who are sensitive to the heat are cautioned to avoid my strenuous activity especially in the middle of any day where temperatures and humidity can add stress.

Water temperatures at local beaches will still be much cooler with temperatures in the low 60s, so even heading to the beach may not yield desired relief from the sudden heat.